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Not a Typical Day
 Joan Chittister begins her book, The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully with a description of a January morning off the coast of Western Ireland. It was a typical winter day, she writes, of rough seas, driving rains, and wind. But it wasn't typical for everyone. For on that day five fisherman lost their lives at sea.
"Some of us, like these fisherman caught in a season's windstorm, leave life by surprise," she muses. "Most of us inch our way through life, sure on the one hand that it will never end, certain on the other that it will surely be ending for us soon."
Last Thursday was a typical day for most of us, but not for two good women of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, Maryland. The Rev. Mary-Marguerite Kohn and Administrative Assistant Brenda Brewington began their day as any other, going to work in a congregation known for its compassion for the most vulnerable, and becoming the most vulnerable themselves. Those of us left to inch along in life and ministry not only grieve their deaths but also wonder now how to balance hospitality with safety, service with security.
The Diocese of Maryland makes us proud to be Episcopalian, for its leaders urge us not to retreat from our vulnerabilities but to take them further, as Jesus did. Citing the example of an Amish community that forgave a man who shot five school girls in 2006, Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton extends forgiveness to alleged shooter Douglas Franklin Jones' family and several Episcopal congregations have offered to hold Jones' funeral service in their churches.
Forgiveness doesn't come easily in the face of such violence, yet it is the path of Christ. We don't know, any of us, how long we have to walk this path, but we can choose how we walk the days we're given. Perhaps there is no such thing as a typical day.
"Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us along the way. So be quick to love and make haste to be kind, and the God of compassion will go with you." Henri-Frederic Amiel 1868
Faithfully,
Bishop Mariann
Read and comment on this message on Bishop Mariann's blog
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News from the Diocese
Statement from Bishop Mariann following President Obama's endorsement of marriage equality: Press Release
Ways to Support the Dream Act - the Bishop encourages all those in support of the DREAM Act to get involved. Here are three ways to get involved and lend your support. More Details.
2012 Annual Bishop's Appeal Bishop Mariann has a special message for the diocese about the 2012 Bishop's Appeal: Watch Video
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Upcoming Diocesan Events
May 19: Live Webcast between the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa. Saturday May 19 at 3:30 PM. More details.
May 19: Bishop's Bike Ride - On May 19, 2012, join Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and the Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club for a ride to the luscious Strawberry Festival at Christ Church in Chaptico, St. Mary's Co. MD - Click for more details
 August 5-10: Camp EDOW - spaces still available! This summer adults from all over the diocese are organizing a new effort to provide our young people with the opportunity to forge relationships with other young Episcopalians and continue to explore their own faith. Camp EDOW, August 5-10, on the shores of Breton Bay at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, MD, will provide a temporary community where fall 2012 4th-8th graders can investigate how they are God's children, each possessing special capabilities that make them the best person that they can be. Registration information and flyers are available here. Space is limited so register today! Scholarship funds are available. Contact Sarah Stonesifer with any questions. |
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Clergy & Leadership Highlights
WECA Clergy & Family & Friends Picnic in historic St. Mary's City, MD. Sat. June 23, Noon-4 pm. More information or RSVP:
email or call 301-862-4597.
Hunger Fund Grants - Applications to the EDOW Hunger Fund Committee must be submitted by May 31. The Hunger Fund provides grants up to $4,000 to programs that feed those faced with hunger and malnutrition problems in the Diocese of Washington. Details on the website. |
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News from our Friends and Affiliates
Samaritan Ministry's Next Step Breakfast! - Join us on May 16th at 8:00-9:00AM at the National Press Club for Samaritan Ministry's Next Step Breakfast! Judy Woodruff, of PBS NewsHour, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde will lead us in prayer. Details:Catherine Rodman | 202-722-2280 | website
Transitional Housing Corporation - Housing Families, Transforming Lives Honors honors 5 Episcopal Churches for their steadfast support of THC. St. Alban's, All Souls, St. Francis, Great Falls, St. Columba's and St. John's, Norwood will receive THC's Community Leadership Award at the Living in the City benefit, Thursday, May 17, 2012. More details here
Slow Walk for Peace - a slow walk is a form of meditation. Participants are invited to notice their breathing, to place their feet gently on the ground, to move slowly from foot to foot and to appreciate the "being-ness" of things along the path. Meet in Shalem Library for opening prayer and meditation, Saturday, May 19 10am-noon. Led by Patience Robbins. 3025 Fourth Street, NE, Suite 22 Washington, DC 20017 Free Registration: info@shalem.org or call (301) 897- 7334.
7th Annual Seabury Leadership in Aging Celebration - at Fannie May on Thursday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. Incredible auction items, delicious food, entertainment, and the opportunity to honor two distinguished Washingtonians - Stuart Rosenthal, editor and publisher of the Beacon newspapers and Dr. Eric De Jonge co-founder of the Medical House Call Program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Reservations: call (202) 414-6313 or visit website. Proceeds benefit the more than 1,000 older adults and caregivers that Seabury serves each day.
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Parish Highlights
 Labyrinth Walk with Live Contemplative Music - All are invited on May 21 at 7:30 PM to participate in a Labyrinth walk, to be accompanied by live contemplative music. Walking the labyrinth can be centering and grounding in the midst of the chaos and clamor of modern life. Details: Email | 301-229-3770 | website
Crab Cake Festival - Saturday, June 2 from 1 to 7pm at St. George's, Valley Lee. More details here
 St Paul's Rock Creek - 300th Anniversary Celebration
For more information, visit the St. Paul's website
Music that Makes Community Conference Wednesday, June 27 - Friday, June 29th @ Trinity Church, St. Mary's City. intended for music directors, organists, choir members, clergy and lay leaders of congregations. Visit website or email or call Fr. John Ball 301-862-4597
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Employment
FULL TIME YOUTH MINISTER - St. Mary's Episcopal church in Arlington, Virginia is seeking a full-time Youth Minister who will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and administering an effective and comprehensive ministry to over 100 youth between grades 6-12 and their families. Interested parties should e-mail for a complete position description or visit the website
SECRETARY/PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - Trinity Church, Upper Marlboro, MD is seeking an individual to support our ministries. Must be experienced in Microsoft Word and Publisher, willing to learn new software. 20 Hrs/week. Knowledge of bookkeeping a plus. Salary based on experience. Email resume. Contact: (301) 627-2636
EVENTS AND SPECIAL SERVICES MANAGER - Washington National Cathedral seeks full-time Events and Special Services Manager. Responsible for planning, logistics and budget for pastoral and special services; manages logistics for a wide variety of Cathedral events, programs; and provides support to the Event and Program Management department. More details: www.nationalcathedral.org/jobs
BOOKKEEPER - St. Patrick's is seeking a 20-hour per week bookkeeper. Start by June 1, 2012. Application accepted through May 4, 2012. Full position description here. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Kurt Gerhard, (202) 342-2800
ORGANIST - wanted for St. Dunstan's, Bethesda, beginning Fall 2012. One service of Eucharist each Sunday, accompanying a choir rehearsal Thursday evenings, and occasional special liturgies. Works under the supervision of the Music Director. Congregation values music highly, and appreciates the classical organ repertoire. Wicks 2-manual pipe organ in a beautiful, resonant space. Please contact the Rector, Jeff MacKnight
NURSERY SUPERVISOR - St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in College Park, MD is seeking an experienced child care professional to provide care for the youngest members of the parish and assume operational responsibility for St. Andrew's nursery. The Nursery Supervisor should have education and/or experience in early child development or education, should be extremely organized and responsible, and should have interest or experience supervising a small staff of child care professionals. Work hours are primarily on Sunday mornings, with other days and times as needed, depending on parish need and candidate availability. This is a part-time, hourly position. Send a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position.
SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR - Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring, MD is looking for a part-time Sunday School Director. We are a committed parish eager to provide support for a vibrant and growing Sunday School. Working 15 hours per week on average, the Sunday School Director will coordinate the education, fellowship and worship opportunities for children, preschool through fifth/sixth grade. We are looking for a creative person of faith to build and nurture relationships with the children of this parish and their families and who will work collaboratively with the clergy and staff, working most closely with the Asst. Rector. Please send cover letter and resume with three references to The Rev. Lael Sorensen. For more information and a fuller job description visit the Grace Episcopal Church Website. Applications will be accepted through the end of May 2012.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR - St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Laytonsville, a small parish in the northern part of Montgomery County, is looking for a part-time Christian Education director to assist in creating a focus for younger children and families. Please contact The Rev. Linda R. Calkins, Rector
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S & YOUTH MINISTRIES - St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, a vibrant faith community in College Park, MD with a growing population of children and a stable youth population, is seeking a highly enthusiastic and motivated individual (either ordained or lay) to serve as the Director of Children's and Youth Ministries. The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will be responsible for coordinating Christian Education and other related activities for youth ranging in age from preschool through high school. This is a part time position (20hr/week) with full benefits. Additional information
OFFICE ASSISTANT - St. James' Episcopal Church in Potomac, Maryland, is seeking a part-time office assistant to provide support in the parish office. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word. Some proficiency in Word Perfect would be helpful. Approximately 10-12 hours per week. Compensation is $15 per hour. Start immediately. Please email a resume to St. James' Episcopal Church at office@stjamespotomac.org and include "Office Assistant position" in the subject line. No phone calls please.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION COORDINATOR - ST. DUNSTAN'S, BETHESDA - St. Dunstan's seeks a Christian Formation Coordinator to envision Christian Formation for all age groups (child, youth, adult), involve and train lay leaders, and implement creative programs to create disciples of Jesus. The right candidate will be well-organized, work collaboratively with other staff and lay leaders, have excellent people and listening skills, be able to motivate leaders and participants, and be open to new ideas. She or he will have enthusiastic Christian faith and know the Episcopal Church, communicate effectively in speaking and writing, love life and have a good sense of humor. St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church averages 150 in Sunday attendance in an inner suburb of Washington , D.C. This is a full-time position, with compensation in accordance with Washington Diocese guidelines, and benefits. Masters degree or bachelors with equivalent experience desired. Open Summer 2012. Send resume to Jeff MacKnight, Rector, at jbmacknight@yahoo.com Website: www.stdunstansbethesda.org
Clergy and Lay Employment Opportunities may also be found on the diocesan website employment page
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Prayers & Visitations
MAY 13 - THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Bishop Mariann: Christ Church, Georgetown
Cycle of Prayer:
- All Mothers and those who have mothered us
- Thurgood Marshall Feast Day
- Church of the Good Shepherd, Silver Spring - David Wacaster, Rector
- Good Shepherd Episcopal Preschool, Silver Spring
MAY 20 - THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER AND THE SUNDAY AFTER THE FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
Bishop Mariann: St. Paul's Rock Creek
Cycle of Prayer:
- St. Dunstan's Church, Bethesda - Jeffrey B. MacKnight, Rector
- St. Augustine's Church, Washington - Martha K. Clark, Priest in Charge
- The Church of the Ascension, Gaithersburg - Randall Lord-Wilkinson, Rector, Elizabeth O'Callaghan, Assistant Rector
- The Church of the Ascension, Silver Spring (Sligo Parish) - Joan Beilstein, Rector
- The Church of the Ascension, Lexington Park (Patuxent Parish) - Sherrill Page, Rector
SERVICES FOR DEPARTING CLERGY
Barbara Allen - Ending of a Pastoral Relationship and Leave-taking on Sun. 5/20-3pm at St. John's, Norwood. RSVP for service and reception by 5/12
PRAYER LIST
Bishop Mariann - father's personal health (Bill)
Kathie and Geoff Price - support & concern after house fire
Fred Quinn - personal health
Vaughan Booker - personal health
Janice Robinson - personal health
Arnold Taylor - personal health
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Video: The Creed: Being Real or a Robot
 | | Saying The Creed: Being Real or a Robot |
To submit a video or photo for the Bulletin that captures the worship or community life at a parish, or of the wider church, please send an email with photos or video link. |
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The Episcopal Church & Anglican Communion
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